Surf Board Leash

ABSTRACT

A board leash system for attachment to a recreational water board includes an ankle strap for securing the leash system to an ankle of a board user and a connection member for attaching the leash system to the recreational water board. The system also includes a cable interposed between the ankle strap and the connection member. A shock absorber is coupled to the cable.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/473,527 filed Apr. 8, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

None.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a leash system for surfboards or other similar devices such as bodyboards, and more particularly relates to a low profile leash system including a shock absorbing portion.

A number of difficulties can arrive when surfers become separated from their surfboards. For example, the board may travel some distance from the surfer, requiring the surfer to swim a considerable distance to retrieve the board. This can be inconvenient, or even dangerous if the surfer becomes fatigued too far from shore. Further, the board may become lost and the surfer unable to find it, resulting in the inconvenience and expense of a lost board in addition to the difficulty of having to swim back to shore without the board. Further still, the loss of a surfboard in a group of other surfers can result in collisions between the uncontrolled board and other surfers and/or their boards. This can cause injury to other surfers as well as damage to any surfboards involved in such collisions.

To address these difficulties, surfboard leashes may be employed. These leashes have a length that is conventionally as long as or slightly longer than the board for which they are used. One end of the leash attaches to the board, for example, by a loop, or leash cord, at one end of the leash being looped around a metal bar or plug that is part of the surfboard. The leash cord may be joined to the leash by a hook and loop connection. The board end of the leash may also have a section designed to prevent the leash from digging into the edge of the board, sometimes known as a “rail saver.” The other end of leash may be attached to the surfer's ankle by a sleeve that is also secured by a hook and loop connection. Such hook and loop connections help keep the leash securely attached to both the board and the surfer, while still allowing convenient removal. Some leashes also employ an additional quick release mechanism to free the surfer from the board in case of emergency. Swivel connections may also be used at each end of the leash to help minimize kinking, twisting, or coiling of the leash.

Some early surfboard leashes were made primarily from surgical tubing, in some instances joined to the board via a suction cup. However, using surgical tubing along all or most of the length of the leash resulted in a leash that could be dangerous. The surgical tubing could become too stretched, at which point the board could be sprung back, in a “rubber band” type effect, quite rapidly toward a surfer (who may be disoriented as a result of falling off of the board and not prepared for the rapid approach of the board), resulting in injury to the surfer. Because of this danger, leashes constructed of surgical tubing were disfavored. Current conventional leashes are made of urethane, which stretches less than the previously used surgical tubing and reduces the danger of such springing back of the board. The urethane of conventional surfboard leashes gives a certain amount of stretch to reduce the suddenness of the pull on a surfer's leg when the surfer becomes separated from the board, but also an amount of stretch to reduce, relative to a leash with surgical tubing along substantially its entire length, the “rubber band” effect and potential of a board springing back at high speed toward a surfer. However, there is still some risk of urethane leashes also providing the above described rubber band effect. Also, the urethane leashes tend to float and may become tangled with the surfer or otherwise coiled, or otherwise get in a surfer's way while a surfer is paddling to a surfing site, while surfing, or in the event of a wipeout.

Conventional urethane leashes are available in a variety of lengths to match surfboard lengths. Also, conventional urethane leashes are available in a variety of diameters. Generally speaking, the larger the diameter of the leash, the stronger and less likely to break a urethane leash will be. However, the larger the diameter, the larger the drag provided by the leash will be. This drag caused by the leash is also an inconvenience for the surfer. Conversely, by using a thinner diameter leash, less drag results, but the thinner diameter urethane leashes are weaker and break more easily. A broken leash can result in the difficulties mentioned above, including requiring a lengthy swim by the surfer, a lost board, injury to other surfers in the area, and/or damage to either the uncontrolled surfboard or the surfboards of others.

For example, conventional urethane leashes may come in diameters such as 5 millimeters, 7 millimeters, or 10 millimeteres. Thinner leashes may be known as “competition” or “comp” leashes, and may be used for surfing competitions, and/or small wave conditions, where leash breakage may not be as large a concern relative to the benefit of reduced draft. Thicker leashes may be known, for example, as “big wave” leashes, and generally be selected for use in areas with larger waves that increase the risk of breakage. The intermediate thickness models may be referred to as regular leashes. While selecting the diameter of a urethane leash may help balance the risk of breakage and the inconvenience of drag for a given situation, even the thicker urethane leashes are still at risk for breakage, and even the thinner urethane leashes still have the inconvenience of drag as well as the risk of coiling, tangling, and/or otherwise impeding the surfer.

It is therefore one object of the present invention to provide a leash for use with surfboards or similar equipment that improves the performance of the equipment, enhances the enjoyment of the surfer, reduces the risk of injury, and/or reduces the risk of property damage or loss.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other objects of the invention are achieved in a board leash system. In one embodiment of the present invention, a board leash system includes an ankle strap for securing the leash system to an ankle of a board user and a connection member for attaching the leash system to the recreational water board. The board leash system also includes a cable interposed between the ankle strap and the connection member, and a shock absorber coupled to the cable.

In one embodiment of the present system, a board leash system includes an ankle strap for securing the leash system to an ankle of a board user and a connection member for attaching the leash system to the recreational water board. The board leash system also includes a cable interposed between the ankle strap and connection member. The cable has a first end oriented toward the board user and second end oriented toward the recreational board. The leash system also includes a shock absorber coupled to the cable proximate to the second end of the cable. The shock absorber may be formed integrally with the cable, and includes a plurality of resiliently biasable bends of a material which the cable comprises.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a board leash system for attachment to a recreational water board includes an ankle strap for securing the leash system to an ankle of a board user and a connection member for attaching the leash system to the recreational water board. The board leash system also includes a cable interposed between the ankle strap and the connection member. The cable has a first end oriented toward the board user and a second end oriented toward the recreational board. The cable includes a first length that is generally non-elastic and second length that is configured to be resiliently biasable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides a side view of a surfboard leash system formed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in a closed position.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a cable formed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 provides a side view of a surf leash system formed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 provides a side view of a surf leash system formed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present invention may be seen in an embodiment of a leash system for use with a recreational water board, such as, for example, a surfboard or a bodyboard.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a surfboard leash system 10 formed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The surfboard leash system 10 includes an ankle strap assembly 20, a first swivel assembly 30, a cable 40, a shock absorber assembly 50, a second swivel assembly 60, and a board connection assembly 70.

The ankle strap assembly 20 is sized and configured to secure the ankle of a surfer to the surf leash system 10. Typically, it is the rear ankle of the surfer (as the surfer stands on the surfboard) that is secured to the ankle strap assembly 20. The ankle strap assembly 20 includes a quick release tab 22, a sleeve 24, a first hook and loop portion 25, a second hook and loop portion 26 that is securable to the first hook and loop portion 25, and an opening 28 defined by the sleeve 24 when the first and second hook and loop portions 25, 26 are joined.

The quick release tab 22 is located proximate to an end of the sleeve, and is sized and configured to provide a convenient location for a surfer to grasp and pull the hook and loop portions to separate them, thereby opening the sleeve 24 and releasing the surfer's ankle from the sleeve 24. In certain circumstances, surfers may need to free themselves from a surfboard leash. The quick release tab 22 is designed to allow surfers to release themselves from the leash quickly and conveniently in such an emergency.

The sleeve 24 is sized and configured to be releasably securable to a surfer's ankle The first and second hook and loop sections 25, 26 are sized and positioned to allow for adjustability in the size of the opening 28 formed by the sleeve 24 to allow for a snug fit on various sizes of ankles for differently sized surfers. To secure the ankle strap assembly 20 to a surfer, the sleeve 24 is wrapped around the surfer's ankle, and when the desired fit is achieved, the first hook and loop portion 25 and the second hook and loop portion 26 are urged together, thereby securing the ankle strap assembly 20 to the surfer's ankle As mentioned above, to remove the ankle strap assembly 20, a surfer may pull on the quick release tab 22 to separate the first hook and loop portion 25 from the second hook and loop portion 26, thereby loosening the sleeve 24 from the ankle As will suggest itself, the first and second hook and loop portions may be secured together by conventional mechanism, as for example, a hook-and-loop type attachment.

The first swivel connection assembly 30 is joined to an outer surface of the sleeve 24. In the illustrated embodiment, one end of the first swivel connection assembly 30 is coupled to the ankle strap assembly 20, and the other end of the first swivel connection assembly 30 is coupled to an end 42 of the cable 40. The first swivel connection assembly 30 comprises a swivel that allows one end of the first swivel connection assembly 30 to rotate with respect to the opposite end of the first swivel connection assembly 30.

The cable 40, in the illustrated embodiment, extends between the first swivel connection assembly 30 and the second swivel connection assembly 60. The cable 40 includes the first end 42 that connects to the first swivel connection 30 and a second end 44 that leads into the shock absorber assembly 50. An intermediate portion 43 is interposed between the first end 42 and the second end 44 of the cable 40.

The cable 40 may be sized to be long enough to allow the surfer mobility on the board, but not overly long, to minimize the possibility of tangling as well as the distance the board may travel away from the surfer. In certain embodiments, the length of the leash is about the same as the length of the board to which it is attached. The cable 40 in the illustrated embodiment is made of a generally thin strong material.

For example, a stainless steel cable may be employed. The stainless steel may have a plastic coating. FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of the cable 40. As best seen in FIG. 2, the cable 40 include a core 46 surrounded by an outer portion 48. In the illustrated embodiment, the core 46 is made of stainless steel and the outer portion 48 comprises a plastic coating. The coating may help protect the core from sea water and/or help prevent the core from abrading either the board or the surfer. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-section is generally uniform along the length of the cable 40. In certain embodiments, the cross-section and/or the materials employed may vary for different portions of the length of the cable 40.

In certain embodiments, other materials may be used. For example, nylon line may be used. As another example, a material such as “spectra” or braided fishing line may be used. The cable 40 may be constructed so that it is a high enough density so that it does not float, thus helping to keep the leash out of the surfer's way. In certain embodiments, where the material used for the cable may have a density such that it floats, a weight or weights sufficient to allow the cable to sink may be distributed either uniformly or non-uniformly along the length of the cable. The cable 40 in the illustrated embodiment is also constructed of a strong enough material so that it can have a diameter noticeably smaller than that used on conventional urethane surf leashes (for example, noticeably smaller than about, for example, the 5 millimeter diameters of conventional comp leashes). Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the cable 40 is substantially rigid or substantially non-elastic such that it is resistant to stretching, and is less elastic than conventional urethane leashes. For example, a cable made of a similar design to “spectra” or braided fishing line may have a maximum stretch of about 3%. By making the cable thinner, lower drag may be achieved. Increased rigidity in the cable reduces the risk of tangling or coiling. Increasing density in the cable such that it does not float reduces the risks of the cable becoming entangled with the surfer during surfing.

The shock absorber assembly 50 includes a series of loops 52 sized and configured to add some elasticity or a spring-like effect. In certain embodiments, the rigidity, or lack of elasticity, along the length of the cable 40 can potentially result in a quite sudden loading, or pull, on the ankle of a surfer when the surfer is separated from the board to which the leash system 10 is attached. The elasticity provided by the shock absorber assembly 50 allows the pull of the board to be felt more gradually by the surfer and reduces the risk of discomfort or injury that could be caused by a sudden pull. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the shock absorber assembly 50 is formed by a series of differently sized loops 52, with the body of the shock absorber assembly formed from the same construction as the cable 40. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the shock absorber assembly 50 is integrally formed with the cable 40, by taking one end of the cable and forming resiliently biasable loops 52 of the cable 40. The loops 52 may be partially or more completely straightened, or the shock absorber assembly 50 stretched, by a pull on either end of the leash system 10, but the loops 52 return to substantially their original bent position when the pull is removed. Thus, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the cable can be seen as having a first length extending from the first end 42 to the second end 44 that is generally non-elastic and a second length including the loops 52 that is resiliently biasable. The shock absorber assembly 50 may have a protective surface or coating to prevent potential damage to the board. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the shock absorber is formed from stainless steel having a plastic sleeve or coating. The shock absorber is preferably sized and configured to have a desired resiliency, to provide some “give” so that a surfer does not experience an overly sudden loading, but also to minimize the danger of a board springing back too quickly at a surfer.

In alternate embodiments, different configurations of loops, coils, or other shapes may be employed. The loops, coils, or other shapes may be uniformly sized, or may differ in size. Further, the shock absorber assembly in certain embodiments may be located at different points along the leash system. For example, the shock absorber assembly may be located proximate to, for instance, the ankle strap. As another example, the shock absorber assembly may be located at approximately a midpoint along the length of the cable. As a further example, multiple shock absorber assemblies may be positioned at different points along the length of the cable. In further alternate embodiments, the shock absorber assembly may be formed similar to the above discussion, but not be integral with the cable. In such embodiments, shock absorber assemblies may be more easily repaired or replaced. Further, such non-integral shock absorber assemblies allow versatility, and different shock absorber assemblies may be used with the same leash system to accommodate different conditions and/or surfers. In certain embodiments, the shock absorber assembly may have a core surrounded by a coating similar to the cable, but have a different diameter than the cable.

The second swivel assembly 60 is joined to the board connection assembly 70. In the illustrated embodiment, one end of the second swivel assembly 60 is coupled to the board connection assembly 70, and the other end of the second swivel assembly 60 is connected to the shock absorber assembly 50. In alternate embodiments, one end of the second swivel assembly is coupled to an end of the cable. The second swivel assembly 60 comprises a swivel that allows one end of the second swivel assembly 60 to rotate with respect to the opposite end of the second swivel assembly 60.

The board connection assembly 70 is configured to allow the leash system 10 to be secured to a board, and provides an example of a connection member for attaching the leash system to a board. For example, the board connection assembly 70 may include a loop 72 or strap that accepts a string, with the string being tied to the board, for example, at a connection point on the board such as a leash cup or plug. The board connection assembly 70 may be configured so that the loop 72 or strap contacts the rail of the board when the leash system 10 is secured to the board, and the loop 72 or strap is made of a size and material to prevent or minimize damage to the board. In certain embodiments, the board connection assembly 70 may include a quick release system, which allows a surfer to pull on the quick release system to quickly release the surf leash system 10 from the board. In further alternate embodiments, quick release disconnects may be located proximate to the shock absorber assembly, one of the swivel assemblies, and/or proximate to the ankle strap.

FIG. 3 provides a side view of a surf leash system 100 formed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The surf leash system 100 may be similar in many respects to the aspects discussed above in connection with the surf leash system 10. The surf leash system 100 illustrated in FIG. 3 provides an example of a surf leash system that includes a shock absorber assembly that is not integrally formed with a cable.

The surf leash system 100 includes a cable 110 (only part of which is shown), a shock absorber assembly 120, a swivel assembly 130, and a board connection assembly 140. The surf leash system 100 may also include, for example, an additional swivel mechanism and ankle strap (not shown). The swivel assembly 130 and board connection assembly 140 may be substantially similar to those discussed above. Also, the cable 110 may be substantially similar to cable 40 discussed previously.

The shock absorber assembly 120 includes a first end 122, a second end 124, and a body 126 interposed between the first end 122 and second end 124. The first end 122 is adapted for connection to an end of the cable 110. For example, the first end 122 may comprise a cap that is connected to an end of the cable, or that includes a fastening mechanism that accepts an end of the cable. The second end 124 is adapted for connection to an end of the swivel mechanism 130. In alternate embodiments, for example, embodiments where the shock absorber assembly is placed intermediately along the length of the cable, both ends may be adapted for connection to the cable. Further, the connections between the ends of the shock absorber assembly and ends of the cable may also include, for example, swiveling mechanisms and/or quick disconnect mechanisms.

The body 126 of the shock absorber assembly 120 is configured and adapted to provide a desired amount of resiliency. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 126 is formed from a length of surgical tubing. The longer the piece of surgical tubing, the more resiliency will be added to the surf leash system. In alternate embodiments, lengths of other elastic or resilient materials may be used instead of surgical tubing. In still other alternate embodiments, the shock absorber assembly may include loops, coils, or other shapes formed to provide a spring-like effect. Additionally, a damper may be added to the shock absorber assembly in certain embodiments. In still further embodiments, a gas or liquid filled shock absorber assembly may be employed.

FIG. 4 provides a side view of a surf leash system 200 formed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The surf leash system 200 may be similar in many respects to the aspects discussed above in connection with the surf leash system 10. The surf leash system 200 illustrated in FIG. 4 provides an example of a surf leash system that includes a shock absorber assembly that is integrally formed with a cable. In alternate embodiments, the shock absorber assembly of the surf leash system 200 may not be integral with the cable.

The surf leash system 200 includes a cable 210 (only part of which is shown), a shock absorber assembly 220, a swivel assembly 230, and a board connection assembly 240. As with the surf leash system 100, the surf leash system 200 may also include, for example, an additional swivel mechanism and ankle strap (not shown). Also, the swivel assembly 230 and board connection assembly 240 may be substantially similar to those discussed above, and the cable 210 may be substantially similar to cables discussed previously.

The shock absorber assembly 220 includes a first end 222, a second end 224, and a body 226 interposed between the first end 222 and second end 224. The first end 222 is adapted for connection to an end of the cable 210, and the second end 224 is adapted for connection to an end of the swivel assembly 230. Further, in alternate embodiments, for example, embodiments where the shock absorber assembly is placed intermediately along the length of the cable, both ends may be adapted for connection to the cable.

The body 226 of the illustrated embodiment includes a series of coils 228 formed integrally with the cable. The coils 228 are formed to be resiliently biasable, so that they can be straightened at least to some degree under a force, but will return to their original coiled position upon removal of the straightening force, generally similar to the loops of the leash system 10 discussed above. The materials used, number, size, and geometry of the coils 228 are configured and adapted to provide a desired amount of resiliency. In the illustrated embodiment, the coils 228 of the shock absorber assembly 220 are integral with the cable. In certain embodiments, the shock absorber assembly 220 may be separately formed from the cable. In such embodiments, the material used for the shock absorber assembly may be different from the material used for the cable, and/or have a different diameter than the cable. In the illustrated embodiment, the coils have substantially the same size and shape. In alternate embodiments, some of the coils may be larger than other of the coils. Further, in certain embodiments, the coils may have different shapes. For example, some of the coils may be substantially circular, while other coils have a generally elliptical shape.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown, it will be understood that the invention is not limited thereto since modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teaching. It is therefore, the appended claims that define the true spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A board leash system for attachment to a recreational water board, the board leash system comprising an ankle strap for securing the leash system to an ankle of a board user; a connection member for attaching the leash system to the recreational water board; a cable interposed between the ankle strap and connection member; and a shock absorber coupled to the cable.
 2. A board leash system for attachment to a recreational water board, the board leash system comprising an ankle strap for securing the leash system to an ankle of a board user; a connection member for attaching the leash system to the recreational water board; a cable interposed between the ankle strap and connection member, the cable having a first end oriented toward the board user and a second end oriented toward the recreational board; and a shock absorber coupled to the cable proximate to the second end of the cable, wherein the shock absorber is formed integrally with the cable, the shock absorber comprising a plurality of resiliently biasable bends of a material which the cable comprises.
 3. A board leash system for attachment to a recreational water board, the board leash system comprising an ankle strap for securing the leash system to an ankle of a board user; a connection member for attaching the leash system to the recreational water board; a cable interposed between the ankle strap and connection member, the cable having a first end oriented toward the board user and a second end oriented toward the recreational board, the cable comprising a first length that is generally non-elastic and a second length that is configured to be resiliently biasable. 